A new ammonia-based company has been launched today (August 16) aiming to provide a competitive advantage for the growing hydrogen economy in Norway by creating green ammonia.

HEGRA, founded by Yara, Aker Clean Hydrogen and Statkraft, will boost the hydrogen economy in Norway by developing a Norwegian value chain for green ammonia and hydrogen.

To achieve this, the company aims to electrify and decarbonise the ammonia plant at Herøya to enable large-scale green ammonia production

The company will also support the maritime industry in its emission reduction targets by providing access to both clean hydrogen and ammonia.

HEGRA, short for Herøya Green Ammonia, will utilise green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, to produce carbon-free fertiliser, and zero-emission fuel for the maritime sector.

With renewable energy in abundance, Norway is in a good position to capture a large share of the emerging global green hydrogen and ammonia value chain.

Auke Lont, Chair of HEGRA’s Board, said, “HEGRA is more than a new industrial company, it is Norway’s largest climate initiative. The decarbonisation project will reduce carbon emissions by 800,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to 300,000 fossil-fuelled cars.

“It marks the beginning of developing a Norwegian value chain for green ammonia and hydrogen.

“HEGRA is geared specifically at meeting the ambition of the European Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, which aims to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030.

“HEGRA will give Norway a competitive advantage within renewable energy and hydrogen and put Norway in a great position to reach climate ambitions.”